If you were recently diagnosed with basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, melanoma, or another type of skin cancer, it is normal to have questions about how common skin cancer is, how treatable it can be, and what the numbers mean.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates show that about 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
Many common skin cancers are highly treatable when found early and treated properly. Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are the two most common forms of skin cancer, and the American Academy of Dermatology notes that both are highly treatable when detected early.
This guide shares current skin cancer facts, survival rates, mortality statistics, and prevention tips to help you better understand the condition and speak with your care team about your options.
Quick Skin Cancer Facts
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.
- About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- More than 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
- Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer, with an estimated 3.6 million U.S. cases diagnosed each year.
- Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type, with about 1.8 million U.S. cases diagnosed each year.
- An estimated 234,680 melanoma cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026.
- An estimated 8,510 people in the U.S. will die from melanoma in 2026.
- When melanoma is detected before it spreads, the five-year survival rate is about 99%.
How Common Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is more common in the United States than all other cancers combined. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that more than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer were treated in more than 3.3 million people in the U.S. in 2012, which is still considered the best estimate to date.
The CDC also notes that basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are not normally collected by central cancer registries, which is why the exact number of cases can be difficult to track. A recent CDC overview estimates that about 6.1 million adults are treated for basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers each year.
Basal Cell Skin Cancer and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Statistics
Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are often grouped together as nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Basal Cell Skin Cancer Statistics
Basal cell skin cancer, is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 3.6 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Basal cell skin cancersoften grow slowly, and many are curable with early detection and appropriate treatment. However, they should still be evaluated and treated because they can cause local damage if ignored.
Squamous Cell Skin CancerStatistics
Squamous cell skin cancer, is the second most common form of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that about 1.8 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Most cases are curable when caught early. If left untreated, some squamous cell skin cancers can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body.
Melanoma Statistics for 2026
Melanoma is less common than basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer, but it causes most skin cancer deaths because it is more likely to spread.
In 2026, an estimated 234,680 melanoma cases will be diagnosed in the U.S., including 122,680 noninvasive cases and 112,000 invasive cases. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 8,510 people in the U.S. will die from melanoma in 2026.
The Skin Cancer Foundation also reports that new melanoma cases are expected to increase by 10.6% in 2026, and invasive melanoma cases increased by 46.6% over the past decade from 2016 to 2026.
What Affects Skin Cancer Survival Rates?
The most important factor affecting skin cancer survival is how early the cancer is found and treated. Survival can vary based on the type of skin cancer, whether it has spread, the person’s age, immune system health, access to care, and other medical factors.
For melanoma, survival rates vary significantly by stage:
- Localized melanoma: About 99% five-year survival when detected before it spreads.
- Melanoma that has spread to nearby lymph nodes: About 76% five-year survival.
- Melanoma that has spread to distant organs: About 35% five-year survival.
Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancerare highly treatable when detected early and treated properly, but they still require medical evaluation and care.
Skin Cancer Mortality Statistics
Most skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma. Based on 2026 estimates, about 8,510 people in the U.S. are expected to die from melanoma, which equals roughly 23 deaths per day.
Deaths from basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are less common, but they can happen, especially when cancers are left untreated or when a person has a weakened immune system. The American Cancer Society notes that U.S. estimates for deaths from basal and squamous cell skin cancers range from about 2,000 to 8,000 people each year, mostly from squamous cell skin cancer.
Skin Cancer Can Affect Every Skin Tone
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. However, skin cancer in people with Triose darker skin tones is often diagnosed at later stages, when it can be more difficult to treat.
In darker skin tones, melanoma may appear in areas that are not commonly exposed to the sun, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, groin, inside of the mouth, or under the nails.
Because of this, everyone should pay attention to new, changing, itching, bleeding, or unusual spots and speak with a dermatologist if something looks different.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Ultraviolet radiation from the sun and indoor tanning is one of the most preventable risk factors for skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends protecting your skin outdoors by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, using sunglasses with UV protection, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to skin not covered by clothing.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that about 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Regular daily use of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen has been shown to reduce the risk of squamous cell skin cancer by about 40% when used as directed.
Call GentleCure to Learn About Treatment Options
Basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer are two of the most common types of skin cancer. For eligible patients with certain nonmelanoma skin cancers, Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy, also called Image-Guided SRT, may be a non-surgical treatment option to discuss with a qualified provider.
Treatment recommendations depend on the diagnosis, cancer type, size, depth, location, medical history, and provider recommendation. If you are interested in learning more about Image-Guided SRT, call 855-936-4411 to speak with a Skin Cancer Information Specialist. We can help explain how Image-Guided SRT works, what to expect during appointments, and how to find a participating dermatology practice near you.
You can also learn more about IG-SRT vs Mohs if you are comparing treatment options with your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Statistics
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
Basal cell skin cancer is the most common type of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that about 3.6 million basal cell skin cancer cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer. About 1.8 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Most skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma. In 2026, an estimated 8,510 people in the U.S. will die from melanoma. Death estimates for basal and squamous cell skin cancers vary, but U.S. estimates range from about 2,000 to 8,000 deaths each year, mostly from squamous cell skin cancer.
Skin cancer can be serious and, in some cases, deadly. Melanoma is the form most associated with skin cancer deaths because it can spread more quickly. However, many skin cancers are highly treatable when detected early and treated properly.
When melanoma is detected before it spreads to the lymph nodes, the five-year survival rate is about 99%. The survival rate is about 76% when melanoma spreads to nearby lymph nodes and about 35% when it spreads to distant organs.
